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About Hampshire fare

What is hampshire fare?

Hampshire Fare exists to support local food, drink and craft producers. We are a not-for-profit organisation working closely with over 400 businesses involved in rearing, growing and making an array of produce including cheese, wine, beer, meat, charcuterie, pies, spirits, cider and more.

Our aim is to inspire you to explore the flavour on our doorstep whether you are from the county or just visiting. Find on our website the latest food events happening across Hampshire, news of product releases and competitions and ideas for places to eat and stay.

Our mission

Hampshire Fare works to raise awareness in the county and beyond of the range of food, drink and craft made in Hampshire. We aim to inform, educate and inspire the public to look locally when buying produce and to establish Hampshire as a destination for food lovers.

Our History

Hampshire Fare has been working with the local food and farming communities for 27 years. Set up by a small group of Hampshire farmers in 1991 to raise awareness of the produce available in the county.

Recognising the strength in their collaboration, Hampshire County Council supported Hampshire Fare's work for almost twenty years. A small group of farmers has now grown to a membership group of over 400 organisations. Together we work to celebrate and promote Hampshire's top notch local produce.

Hampshire's food heritage

Hampshire's varied landscape has always brought with it a rich and tempting mix of produce. From coast to forest, rivers to valleys and heath to weald - Hampshire benefits from diverse growing conditions.

Sheep, pigs, honey, strawberries, trout, hops, wheat, watercress, vines, sea salt, mackerel are just some of the ingredients on Hampshire's historical larder list. Many of these still have links with the county today with other areas growing in prevelance over the years.

Livestock & fish

Hampshire has always been known for its pigs especially those allowed to graze on acorns and beech mast in the New Forest, a practice which still happens today.
The chalk stream clear rivers running through the county are a haven for sought after trout.

hampshire crops

Hampshire's clear streams were one of the main growing areas of watercress in the nineteenth century.
Strawberries grown mainly in the south of the county were in great demand and transported by train to market.

wines & beers

Hampshire is home to England's oldest commercial vineyard. Planted in 1952 at Hambledon by Sir Guy Salisbury.
Hop growing reached a peak in Hampshire in the latter stages of the nineteenth century with 3,200 acres being grown.

Become a member

Be part of a vibrant network of over 400 members actively involved in local food, drink and craft. Benefit from exclusive event opportunities, marketing and PR support, training courses, networking activities and more.